This means students can use computers and photocopiers, pick up or return books or use the quiet space to study any time of the day or night – adding an extra 2,940 hours a year at Luton and 4,717 in Bedford.

To ensure student safety, security staff will patrol the premises from 10pm to 8.30am.

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said: "Being able to use the library as and when they need it was what our students asked for. It came up in the National Student Survey (NSS) as well as at the Students' Union Conference.

"It is no secret that my mission is to ensure our students get every help that we can realistically provide to improve their experience of university life."

Other actions that have been taken because students asked, mainly through NSS and Beds SU, include the opening of a new bar at the Bedford campus.

Mr Rammell said: "Our students had to travel into the town if they wanted to socialise. They wanted a bar on the premises, like we have in Luton. So we've opened one.

"Most of what our students asked for in last year's NSS we either have already provided or are in the process of providing. So you can see how important it is that all our third years sign up to NSS so we can improve the student experience."

Nursing and Midwifery students wanted their study sessions to be more interactive. In Aylesbury more small working groups have now been introduced to allow everyone to contribute and be involved.

Extra members of staff have also been recruited to give undergraduates more opportunities for one-to-one contact with academics more often.